Java Coding: Build Mods with Minecraft

Price: Starting at $1,049
Age: 10 - 12
Skill Level: Beginner–Advanced
Format: iD Tech Camps | Small-Group, On-Campus
Duration: Weeklong program, 8 hours per day

About This Course

Dig into the Minecraft source code to explore the fundamentals of Java, one of the most popular programming languages on the planet! As you unlock new skills, you’ll integrate custom tools, blocks, and mobs into your very own adventure map in this open-ended game. This course introduces Java programming in an accessible way that's sure to prepare you for an exciting future in coding or game development.

Topics Covered

Use variables, functions, and control structures to customize Minecraft
Code in Java
Create Minecraft mods
Develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills

Sample Schedule

Here’s a sample of what a week in the course could look like! Please keep in mind that students will progress at varying paces; this is a general outline of the key material and overall student experience.

Monday: Learn Structure of Minecraft Mod Code

To kick off the course, students will set up their modding package and learn how the Minecraft mod code is structured. With this foundational knowledge, they’ll add a custom ore to the game with Java.

Tuesday: Create Custom Items & Textures

Next, students will bring their focus to Minecraft items. They’ll build on previous concepts to create items with customized functionality and textures.

Wednesday: Construct Code for Custom Blocks

It’s time to build blocks! Students will construct code for custom blocks with unique functionalities and textures, expanding on JSON knowledge with block drops.

Thursday: Employ Skills with Personal Project

Students will employ their modding skills with a personal project. These projects might include creating a custom set of tools, custom armor, and/or using 2D pixel art to customize mods they’ve added to their game.

Friday: Finalize Projects, Beta-Test & Adjust

To wrap up the week, students will finalize their projects, beta-test their work with their peers, and make final adjustments to the mods they’ve added to their game.

Portfolio-Boosting Diploma & Transcript

At the conclusion of your child's course, they will receive an official iD Tech diploma and course transcript outlining the skills they learned over the course of the week.

Learn from the best.

Passion for tech. Unmatched expertise. Personality that brings out the absolute best in your child. With 23 years of experience, we know there's no replacement for the best teacher. It's no surprise that iconic companies like Google, EA, Microsoft, and Disney hire the same talent we do. Our iD Certified instructors possess the whole package of skills that top employers seek.

100% USA-based, adult instructors
Recruited from top universities like Stanford, Caltech, and NYU
Rigorous background and reference checks
Robust training programs and certification
Adherence to American Camp Association accredited guidelines

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

Instructor Highlights

Chris M.

Software Engineer
at Google

“My time as an iD instructor was really formative. I stayed with STEM in college as a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, and now I’m working at Google in Chicago. If you find yourself thinking about STEM-related things outside of school, follow that passion. Major in it. Keep pursuing it.”

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

Instructor Highlights

Aspen C.

Associate Designer
at Bethesda Softworks

“The spirit of innovation and creativity I felt around my students while teaching Unity led me toward my career as a professional game designer. My time at iD Tech taught me that no dream is too big, and that brilliant ideas can come from anywhere.”

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

Instructor Highlights

Brian M.

Software Engineer
at Disney

“The opportunity to create an environment of collaboration, inclusion, and creativity was a truly special experience. The skills I honed while teaching at iD Tech led me to my software engineering roles at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is modding?

Think mod = modification. There are thousands of Minecraft mods, each of them designed to change the game in some way, whether with a special environment, ways to speed up the game, or some other customization, mods are part of why kids love Minecraft. Plus, they’re a surefire way to motivate kids to learn to code! With the power of Java coding, kids can mod Minecraft - or alter the game’s original code - by adding custom items and blocks to enhance gameplay and expand the open-world game even further.

Why should my child learn with Minecraft?

Minecraft is an excellent way to introduce coding concepts to kids. Constructive game time that incorporates Java is an ideal bridge that connects valuable programming skills with the game kids already love. Learn more about Minecraft coding for kids.

What college and career opportunities can this course lead to?

By developing programming skills, kids get a competitive edge in the fastest-growing STEM industries. Plus, Java, a primary language used in all AP computer science classes - not to mention professional programming - is an essential language for any aspiring computer science major and future software engineer! Learn more about Java for kids.

Is this course suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, this course is designed for beginner to advanced students. Our small class size ensures that each student receives individual attention and has the freedom to learn at their own pace.

What is the camp experience like?

At our on-campus programs, students get inspired by iconic architecture, learn in our next-gen labs, and get a taste of collegiate life. With our small classes, your child will progress at their own pace with the hottest software and hardware, while learning from carefully-vetted talent sought by companies like Google, Apple, EA, and Disney. They hire who we hire.

As the only STEM educator rooted in 23+ years of legendary camp traditions, we know that when learning is fun, kids and teens stick with it! At camp, students build relationships in a fun and inclusive campus setting, and in between sessions in the labs, can be found diving into high-energy outdoor games and video game tournaments, and bonding over legendary iD traditions like raffles, pie-your-instructor Fridays, and so much more.